When it comes to modern commercial construction, fire safety isn’t a bonus; it’s becoming one of the most critical ways to protect lives and reduce the risk of serious property damage.
Whether it’s a manufacturing facility, a warehouse, a commercial office, an industrial kitchen, or pretty much any other type of business, choosing the right building materials can be one of the most important decisions you ever make. One of the best options today is fire-rated wall panels, which not only reduce the spread of fires but also offer a wide variety of other benefits that help protect your business, reduce operating costs, and minimize downtime.
This guide explains why fire-rated wall panels are important, their effectiveness, and the additional benefits they offer. We’ll also highlight ROCKWALL Fire Rated and Insulated Wall Panels, which combine durability, superior fire resistance, and much more.
What Role Do Fire-Rated Panels Play in Commercial Construction?
As you likely know, any type of commercial building has to comply with strict safety standards, especially when it comes to fire safety. Not only is there a legal requirement to ensure the building meets fire code regulations, but no business owner wants to risk their property, assets, and people by operating an unsafe building.
While traditional building materials can be used to achieve these aims, it can be challenging to get sufficient fire protection when using them during construction. Plus, conventional building materials are often more expensive and time-consuming to work with.
On the other hand, pre-fabricated fire-rated wall panels are specifically engineered to offer lasting fire protection. Not only do they prevent and slow the spread of flames, but they also help contain heat and maintain their structural durability, even when they are directly exposed to fire. They also have fire ratings, which clearly state how long you can depend on them to withstand fire exposure.
So, not only do you know that the building materials you have installed can withstand fire exposure for a preset amount of time, but they’re also easier to install, which reduces construction time and labour costs. Given that they offer more reliable protection, save money, and offer even more benefits, it’s no wonder that they’re playing an increasingly important role in the construction of commercial properties.
How Are Fire-Rated Panels Tested and Rated?
Every well-made fire-rated wall panel will have a fire resistance rating. These ratings are almost always given as houses, with 1-, 2-, or 3-hour resistance ratings being the most common.
As you can probably guess, these ratings indicate how long the fire-rated panel can withstand exposure to fire. These tests are conducted under a controlled environment and in accordance with the standards of a third-party organization. Two of the most common organizations and testing systems are:
- CAN/ULC-S101: Standard Methods of Fire Endurance Tests of Building Construction and Materials
- ASTM E119: Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
For a panel to earn a fire resistance rating, it must demonstrate that it can maintain its structural integrity, prevent the spread of flames, and limit the amount of heat detectable on its other side for a specified period.
Why Are Fire-Rated Panels So Important?
It may seem obvious that the main advantage of fire-rated panels is that they help prevent the spread of fires, but why is that so important?
Even slowing the spread of a fire can ensure that first responders have the time they need to arrive on the scene and extinguish the fire before it completely destroys the building and the inventory stored within it. Effective fire-rated panels can also be used to help staff and other personnel evacuate, which can be the critical difference between life and death in the event of a serious fire.
Due to their unique composition, well-made fire-rated panels also offer additional advantages, such as effective heat and sound insulation. As mentioned, they’re also much easier to install than traditional building materials, and they’re designed to last with minimal maintenance.
In other words, they’re safer, easier and cheaper to install, and they last!
Introducing ROCKWALL Fire Rated & Insulated Wall Panels
While choosing fire-rated wall panels is always a smart choice, you have to make sure you are choosing high-quality panels that are manufactured to a consistent standard.
Among the best options on the market today, Rockwall Panels are one of the top choices. The key to their effectiveness is their unique Mineral Wool (Rockwool) core, which is a non-combustible insulator capable of withstanding extreme temperatures.
Depending on the unique needs of your project, they’re available in 1-, 2-, or 3-hour fire resistance ratings, each with a different core thickness. These ratings are certified and meet CAN/ULC S101 and ASTM E119 standards.
Beyond fire-resistance, ROCKWALL Panels also offer lasting thermal and acoustic performance. They have CFIA acceptance for sanitary standards and are manufactured in Canada, ensuring they meet all the standards required for Canadian and American construction projects.
Click below to learn why ROCKWALL Panels could be the perfect solution for your commercial construction project: